Navy chief reviews rescue operation in Visakhapatnam

Navy chief Admiral R.K. Dhowan Sunday reviewed the search and rescue operations after the sinking of an auxiliary ship off Visakhapatnam coast, and also met the family of a sailor who died in the accident.

Dhowan, who was in Seychelles when the torpedo recovery vessel (TRV A-72) sank off Visakhapatnam coast Thursday night, cut short his visit and came to the Eastern Naval Command headquarters to review the search and rescue operations. No missing personnel have been found till Sunday evening.

Dhowan met the family of sailor James Jacob, who lost his life in the accident and also met the family of an officer who is reported missing. The navy chief then met the rescued crew of the vessel before returning to New Delhi late in the evening.

A navy statement said naval authorities are in constant touch with the families of three missing sailors as well, keeping them informed about the progress of search and rescue operations.

Day and night search operations are on, involving nine ships of the Eastern Fleet and aircraft including Boeing P8I, Dorniers, Sea King 42C and Chetak helicopters.

As per initial reports, the probable reason for the sinking of the vessel seems to be ingress of sea water (flooding) in the engine room and aft steering compartment of the vessel.